Recording mechanism



, 1 D. s. HOLT V,

RECORDING MECHANISM Filed 001., 13, 1921 s Sheefs-Sheet 1 llllllIHllllllll llHHHHlll j] INVENTOR WWW ATTORN EYS.

Oct. 16, 1923. 1,471,129

D. s. HOLT RECORDING MECHANISM;

- Filed 001;- 15, 1921 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 v 'IIIIIIIII/IIIA BY @41 YMATTORNEYS Oct. 16, 1923. 1,471,129 7 D. s. HOLT I 1 200111111111wnacrmmsnf 1 Filed Oct. 13. 1921, 3 Sheets-Sheet INVENTO 1 ptwwwATTORNEYS.

Patented Oct. 16, 1923.

UNITED STATES 1,411,129 PATENT OFFICE- DANIELS. HOLT, OF MITTINEAGU'E,MASSACHUSETTS.

RECORDING MEGHANISI.

Application filed October 13, 1921. Serial No. 597,503.

'To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that I, DANIEL S. HOLT, a citizen of the United States.residing at Mittineague, in the county of Hampden and State ofMassachusetts, have invented new and useful Improvements in RecordingMechanism, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to recording mechanism and more particularly toimprovements in the construction of the marking devices thereof and inthe manner of mounting and actuating them.

Most frequently, the marking devices are pens provided with smallpassages through which ink is drawn from a reservoir by capillaryattraction. These passages are of exceedingly small diameter and liable.to bethe expert rather than thelayman. Consequently, it has been thepractice to apply a small suctiontube to the end of the pen and clean itin this manner without removing the pen from the instrument. Even thisoperation, however, requires a lifting of the pen from the record stripand unless care is exercised some delicate part may be bent or thrownout of adjustment.-

ations or rulings designating time, and- This invention is concernedwith, and has for an object to provide a recording instrument in whichthe. marking devices are mounted in a simple and fool-proof manner andfor instant and convenient removal when desired. there being nodelicately constructed parts. or parts requiring delicate adjustment. sothat the layman may mount or dis mount the marking devices withoutlikelihood of inju to the machine.

' The invention also has for an object to provide, in a recordingapparatus,'means for driving a record strip, preferably solely byfrictional engagement therewith, the. strip being preferably. free fromthe usual gradumeans being provided to cause the marking devices toplottime graduat'ions as well as cleaning.

Generally,

ln other to plot the other desired function or factor which is to becompared with time.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in a recording mechanism,a marking device consisting of a relatively short capillary tubeone endof which rests on the record strip and the other end of which extendsinto an ink reservoir located in close proximity thereto, the tube beingmade as short as possible to minimize clogging and the tube andreservoir preferably being removable quickly and conveniently to permitAnother object of the invention is to provide, in "a recordinginstrument, a marking device and. a mounting therefor involvinggenerally improved mechanical structure.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the following descriptionand in the illustrative embodiment of the invention in the accompanyingdrawings, in which,-

Fig. 1 is a top plan view, with parts broken away, of a recordingmechanism embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevationthereof taken on the line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on the'line 3-3 ofFig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective View of a modification in themountingof the recording pens; and l Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan viewof a chart showin a specimen of a curve traced by the recording'mechanism. Referring to these drawings: the recording mechanismincludesa supply roll a to receive the record strip 6 inroll form and aroll 0 for driving the record strip, as by 1 frictional engagementtherewith. The strip b extends upwardly from roll a to and around theupper portion of roll 0 and then is led downwardly therefrom, being'heldin engagement therewith b suitable means, such as a roll (I rotatab ymounted in an arm 6 pivoted at) and yieldingly urged toward roll c as bya spring g. The roll 0 is rota-tably supported near its ends in spaced.side frames 7:. suitably secured to a base i "and roll. a is alsosupported from such frames, although through the intermediary y of twoaizmsj pivoted thereto. The arm 6, described, is alsopivotally'supported fromone side frame It. The driving roll 0 may bedriven in any suitable manner and, as' an illustrative exam le, aclockwork mechanism, conventions. ly indicated at k, may be employed.Such mechanism has a driving shaft Z, which by gearing m drives theshaft n of roll a.

The mechanism, thus far described, is given merely as an illustrativeexample of one suitable type in which the invention may be embodied.-Various other types of similar mechanisms and variations in the onetype herein described will occur to those skilled in the art and theinvention is independent of the particular type and constructionaldetails of the mechanism above-described. i

This invention is more particularly concerned with the construction andmounting of the marking devices, usually pens, although not necessarilyso according to all features of the invention. As shown, aseries of pensare provided, each consisting of a. relatively short capillary tube 10,one end of which restsupon the strip 6 while it travels over roll 0 andthe other end of which depends into a reservoir 11 contain ing'ink orthe like. Thereservoir 11 is de sirably located in close proximity toroll 0 and, as shown, is supported on a shelf 12 suitably secured to thebrackets h. The reservoir 11 preferably is mountedon this shelf forconvenient removal and, as shown, is held by gravity to the shelf and ispositioned thereon by two pins 13, which are secured to the shelf inupstanding relation and pass through suitable apertures in ears 14 onreservoir 11.

The pens 10 are also mounted for convenient removal. Each pen 10 issuitably attached to a holder 15, which, as shown in Fig. at, has thecross-sectional shape of an inverted U. The parallel and upstanding sidewalls of the holder 15 are spaced apart just sufficiently to receivebetween them a pair of upstanding pins 16 and 17, which are mounted in amanner to be later described, but for present purposes may be consideredstationary. The holder 15 is slipped over the two pins 16 and 17 and isthereby held against sidewise displacement,

one of these pins, as 16, extending throu h a perforation in the holderto restrain t e latter from longitudinal displacement. It has been seenthat the pen 10 is supported at one end by resting on roll 0 or thestrip Z) thereon. The other end thereof may be supsequently a shoulder21 at the intersection of the pin 16' and this reduced portion.

15 being displaced, as. by jolts and jars which might dislodge them frompin 16, a stop, in the shape of a plate 22 pivoted at 23 to member 19,is provided to limit the upthrow of all the holders 15.

For the purpose of tracing record curves on strip 12, the pens 10 mustbe moved transversely and to accomplish this result either of pins 16 or17 may be moved. As shown, each pin 17 is constituted by the verticallyupturned end of a horizontal rod 21 which is supported for oscillationin suitable brackets 25 on shelf 12 and extends rearward ly thereof. Therearward end of rod 24 is provided with a right-angularly bent portion26, which is disposed horizontally and extends through the lower end ofa plunger 27 of a solenoid 28. The latter is supported in upstandingrelation from shelf 12 by a sleeve 29, suitably apertured to receive themember 26. A cover 30 is provided to complete the partial enclosureaccorded by the member 19.

The solenoids 28 are connected electrically to suitable apparatuswhereby it is periodically energized and the invention isindependent ofsuch apparatus, which may take many widely varying forms. For thepresent purposes, it will suffice to state that from time to time thesolenoid 28 is energized, whereupon plunger 27 will be lifted, caus ingan oscillation of rod 24 and moving pin 17 transversely. The pin 16 thenacts as a pivot or fulcrum and pen 10 is moved about this fulcrum tomake an offset line a: on chart 7). The pen 10 may of course be held inits offset position for various intervals depending on the length oftime during which solenoid 28 is energized. The marks at on chart I), asexemplified in Fig. 5, are those made merely by a momentary cnergizationof the solenoid, which results in the pen 10 returning immediately toits original position. The pen is returned to such position by the.action of gravity. the plunger 27 dropping and carrying with it the portion 26. which turns in 17 back to its normal position, defined liy theabutment of the portion 26 with the shelf 12 as a stop (Fig. 2). It isalso noted that gravity acts to take up all lost motion in the variousconnections to holder 15.

As thus far described. the pens 10 might be used to plot curves oncharts 5 which have been already graduated or ruled to indicate time orsome other factor. Preferably, however, the charts 6 have no suchgraduations and the pen 10 is made to lace on the chart b suitableindications to esilg- .nate some other factor, such as time.

do this, one pin, as 1.6, may be moved transversely and the other pin,as 17, made to function as the pivot for this transverse rockingmovement. Thus, the pins 16, or 16, may be secured in verticallyupstanding relation in a bar 32, which is located within the enclosureafforded by member 19, suitable openings 33 being provided in the latterto permit the upward passage of pins 16, or 16', and to permit thedesired limits of transverse movement thereof. As shown in Fig. 1, bar32 is mounted for transverse sliding movement, being supported at oneend in one side wallof housin 19 and at the other end by a pin 34WlllCll extends into an openingin the free end of a flat spring 35 whichis secured at the other end to the opposite side wall of member 19.spring 35 also functions to hold. the bar 32 and pins 16, -or 16'; intheir normal positions.

In the present case, bar .32 is arranged I to be moved transversely at,a definite time shoulder 46 and the latter, by means 0 rate toplot'suitable indications of time. To this end, a cam 36 is fixed to thedriving shalt l of the clock mechanism k and this cam has, angularlyspaced about its periphery, a series of gradual rise" ortions 37, eachfollowed by a sharp let-o portion 38 leading to the low point of thesucceeding rise portion. An arm 39, pivoted at one end at 40 to abracket 41 on base i, rests at its other end .on the periphery of cam 36and is gradually lifted thereby and periodij cally allowed to suddenlydrop. Tocommunicate this motion to bar 32, a bell crank, pivoted at 42to bracket h and having two substantially right-an larly disposed arms43 and 44, 'is utilized. The outer end of arm 43 is connected to' theoverlying portion of arm 39 by a link 45 which passes loosely ,througheach arm and has a head 46 on each end thereof. A suitably bent rod 47,

fixed to the end of bar 32, passes through an opening in arm 44 and hasa shoulder 48 to abut therewith. Thus, as arm 39 lifts, it raises link45 by means of the upper the . lower shoulder46, raises arm 43, swingingarm 44 to theleft (as viewed in Fig. 3). Thus, arm 44, pushing againstshoulder 48, moves rod 47 and bar 32 against the tension of spring 32.Thus, the pins 16 are moved gradually to the left, and pens 10 arecaused to trace straight lines, such as y (Fig. 5),

which lie at an acute angle to the direction of movement of chart 6.After the elapse of a definite time interval, the member 39 ,drops off arise portion 37 and is released by the let-off portion 38 so that spring35 may return bar 32, pins16 and pens 10 to The .2 indicates a suitableand definite time interval.

It is to be noted that spring 35 acts to take up all the lost 'motion inthe various connections between bar 32 and the camfollowing arm 39. i

In operation, the clockwork-mechanism l or any other suitable mechanismis set in motion to drive roll 0 and the record strip 6 is therebycontinuously driven. It it to be noted that roll 0 need not necessarilybe uniformly driven since the time indications are applied by themarking devices. The .latter, as above explained, are moved gradually ina transverse direction a predetermined distance during adefinite timeinterval and are then suddenly returned to their initial positions. Thisresults in the tracing by each marking device of a zig-zag line ofsimilar contour to the teeth of a.

ratchet wheel. The marking devices, however, from time to time departfrom the J normal zig-zag path. when their solenoids are energized, tomake indications of some other factor, which for illustrative purposesmay be considered as distance. According to the preferred operation, themarking devices are made to move quickly in a transverse direction outof their normal path and return immediately to such path, so that thezig-zag line is punctuated with occasional short and substantiallyright-angularly disposed offsets.

It is to be particularly noted that the marking devices are mounted in avery simple and practically fool-proof manner. There is no delicatemechanism associated with these devices and no fine and carefuladjustments to make. In fact, the mechanism associated with thesedevices may readily ccnsistyas shown, of a chain of parts which areconnected together in a rather loose manner as compared to the usualconnections which involve jewel bearings, knife edgs and so forth. Theconnections shown Ill) effect the desired work with suflicient accuracybecause they are so arranged that all lost motion is taken up in onedirection. either by gravity action or the spring 35. In removing amarking device. the member 22 is swung upwardly and the desired deviceis merely lifted off its pins 16 and 17. The marking device can then becleaned by holding the capillary tube under a faucet, which is fareasier than .the method usually employed and above set forth. There isnothing which is liable to get out of order. Even a bendingof one of thepins 16 and 17 to a certain degree will do no harm and, if bent beyondsuch degree, it is sim le to remedy merely by bending it back. oreover,the construction is so simple that the factor, such as distance, beingapplied merelv by making jogs in the line at intervals, is desirablebecause little energy is required inasmuch as the solenoids areintermittently and instantaneously energized rather than continuously.

The invention has been disclosed herein,

in an embodiment at present preferred, for

illustrative purposes. but the scope of the invention is defined by theappended claims rather than by the foregoing description.

\Vhat I claim is- 1. In recording apparatus, means for driving a recordstrip, a marking device to cooperate with the strip,.a holder for saiddevice consisting of a member having substantially the cross-sectionalshape of an inverted U, and two pins mounted in longitudinally spacedrelation and each having a. portion received between the parallel sidesof said member to restrain the latter from transverse displacement.

2. In recording apparatus, means for driving a record strip. a markingdevice to cooperate with the strip, a holder for said device consistingof a member having substantially the cross-sectional shape of airinverted U. two pins mounted inlorigitudinally spaced relation and eachhaving a portion received between the parallel sides of said memberto'restrain the latter--fr0m transverse displacement, and means to moveone of said pins transversely when desired.

3. In recording apparatus. means for driving a record strip. a markingdevice to cooperate with the strip, a holder for said device consistingof a member having substantially the cross-sectional shape of aninverted U, two pins mounted in longitudinally spaced relation and eachhaving a portion received between the parallel sides of said member torestrain the latter from transverse displacement, means operable atpredetermined time intervals to move one of said pins transversely, andmeans operable intermittently to move the other pin transversely.

4:. In recording apparatus, means for v driving a record strip. amarking device to cooperate with the strip, a holder for said deviceconsisting of a member having substantially the cross-sectional shape ofan lnver'ted U, two pins mounted in longitudinally spaced relation andeach having a portion received between the parallel sides of said memberto restrain the latter from transverse displacement, means for graduallymoving one of said pins transversely a predetermined distance during adefinite time interval and then releasing it for return movement, meansfor effecting such movement, and means for moving the other pintransversely as and when desired.

5. In recording appartus, means for driving a record strip, a markingdevice to cooperate with the strip, means for gradually moving saiddevice transversely a predetermined distance during a definite timeinterval and then suddenly returning it to its original position, andmeans operable intermittently as and when desired for moving said devicetransversely.

6. In recording apparatus, means for drivin a record strip, a markingdevice to cooperate with the strip, means for gradually nzoving saiddevice transversely predetermined distance during a definite timeinterval and then suddenly returning it to its original position, andmeans operable intermittently as and when desired for movin 'said devicetransversely out of its path an then immediately returning it thereto.

7. In recording apparatus, means for driving a record strip, a markingdevice to '00- operate with the strip, a holder for said deviceconsisting of a member having substantially the cross-sectional shape ofan inverted U, and two pins mounted in longitudinally spaced relationand each having a portion received between the parallel sides of saidmember to restrain the latter from transverse displacement, oneof saidpins extending through the upper wall of said member to restrain itagainst longitudinal displacement. w

8. In recording apparatus, means for driving a record strip, a markingdevice to cooperate with the strip, a holder for said device consistingof a member having substantially. the cross-sectional shape of aninverted U. two pins mounted in longitudinally spaced-relation and eachhaving a portion received between the parallel sides of said member torestrain the latter from transverse displacement, one of said pinsextending through the upper wall of said member to restrain it againstlongitudinal displacement and having a shoulder intermediate its ends toengage said wall of said member.

9. In a recording device. means for driving a record strip. a series ofmarking devices to engage'said strip. a holder for each device havingthe cross-sectional shape of an inverted U, a series of pins one foreach holder. a common support for said pins, a second series of pins onefor each holder,

and means for moving any one in of the last-named series independently 0the other each holder arranged to fit over one pin of each .seriesandbeing held in place by its any one holder may be.

weight, whereb readilymemove when desired.

10. In a recording device, means for driv ing a record strip, a seriesof marking devices to engage said strip, a holder for each device havingthe cross-sectional shape of an inverted U, a series of pins one-foreach holder, a common support for said pins,

means for moving said common support, a second ser;es of pins one foreach holder, and means for moving any pm of the lastnamed seriesindependently' of the other, each holder arranged to fit over one pin ofeach series and being held in place by its weight, whereby any oneholder may be readily removed when desired.

11'. In a recording device, means .for driving a record strip, a seriesof marking devices to engage said strip, a holder for each device havingthe cross-sectionalshape of an inverted U, a series of pins one for eachholder, a common support for said pins, s

means for gradually moving said common support a predetermined distanceduring'a definite time interval and then suddenly returning it, a secondseries of pins one for" each holder, and means for movin an pin of thelast-named series indepen ent y of the other, each holder arranged tofit over one pin of each series and being held in place byli ts weight,whereb any one holder may be readily removedw en desired.

12. In recording apparatus, a driving roll,

an unruled record driven thereby by fric-i tional' engagement therewith,a marking de vice to cooperate with said record, means for actuatingsaid device at definite time inof which forms an upstanding pin to enterbetween the parallel walls of said member, a second upright pin enteringbetween said walls andthrough the upper wall of said member to form apivot for the latter when the other pin is moved by said solenoid.

14. In a recording'apparatus, means for driving a record strip, amarking device to 1 cooperate therewith, two spaced upstanding pins, aholder for sa-id device suitably recessed to slip over said pins, andmeans for moving one of said pins transversely of the holder.

15. In a recording apparatus, means for driving a record strip, a seriesof marking devices to cooperate therewith, a holder for each device, twospaced upstanding pins for each holder, the. latter being suitably re,-ce'ssed to slip over said pins and arranged to be held in place by itsweight, whereby any holder may be conveniently removed when desired, andmeans normally overlying all said holders to prevent their removal, suchmeans being movable 'to another position to permit removal of theholders.

In testimony whereof I have aflixed my signature.

n NIEL s. HOLT.

